Standard Front Door Sizes: Complete Guide for Residential Homes
7 minutes
October 5, 2023 When it comes to designing or renovating our homes, one of the pivotal elements that often goes overlooked is the front door. It not only provides security but also leaves a lasting impression on guests. Selecting the right size, style, and ensuring proper installation are crucial. Typically, the measurements provided refer only to the door panel itself, excluding the surrounding frame.
What we’ll be talking about in this blog:
- Standard front door sizes for residential homes
- Tips during the installation process for front doors
- Average project duration and cost of front door installation
Read on to become an expert on standard front door sizes for homes!
🚪Standard Front Door Sizes 🚪
Standard door sizes can vary, but the most common width for residential front doors is 36 inches. The standard height is 80 inches, which is approximately 6 feet 8 inches. However, you might also encounter sizes that are 30 or 32 inches wide. For homes that require a larger entryway, particularly for accessibility reasons, doors can be 42 inches wide or even broader.
The thickness of front doors can vary, but they usually measure about 1 ¾ inches thick. For larger homes or those desiring a grand entrance, double doors might be a fitting choice. They often measure 60 inches (two 30-inch doors) or 72 inches (two 36-inch doors) in total width.
Exterior Door Sizes
Exterior doors are an important part of any home’s architecture. The style, material, and size of exterior doors are all things to consider when purchasing a new entry door. Exterior door sizes can vary, and options are available. The standard front door size is 80 inches x 36 inches (approximately 6 feet 8 inches x 3 feet) with a thickness of 1 ¾ inches. Newer homes may have entry doors as narrow as 30 inches (2 ½ feet) or as tall as 96 inches (8 feet). Patio door sizes can also vary from home to home, with sliding glass doors coming with two or three panels, impacting the size.
Interior Door Sizes
Interior door sizes are also important to consider when building or renovating a home. The standard width for bedroom doors tends to float around 30 inches, while the standard height for bedroom doors is 80 inches. Bathroom doors typically measure up to a modest 24 to 28 inches in width, with a height of 80 inches. Closet doors usually have tighter passages than standard doors, with sizes ranging from 18 to 96 inches in width and height.
⚒️ 5 Steps to Installing a Front Door ⚒️
Below we’’ll go over 5 steps for how to properly install a front door, should you decide to make the installation a DIY project. Before purchasing a door, measure the door width, height, and thickness of the door frame.
1. Measurement and Preparation
Before purchasing a door, measure the width, height, and thickness of the door frame. This helps ensure you choose the right size. It’’s also important to consider the swing direction (left-hand or right-hand) and whether it’s an inswing or outswing door. Accurate measurement of door widths is crucial to ensure a proper fit and compliance with building codes.
2. Removing the Old Door
Start by removing the existing door from its hinges. To remove an old door from its hinges, you typically need to unscrew and remove the hinge pins by tapping them upward with a hammer or using a hinge pin removal tool. Then, remove any remaining hardware or trim.
3. Prepping the New Door
If your door comes pre-hung, it will be already attached to its frame, which simplifies the process. If you have a door that doesn’t come pre-hung, you’re essentially starting from scratch. You’ll need to attach the door to its frame, which means installing the hinges and any other hardware like handles, locks, or knobs yourself. This can be a more involved process, as it requires careful measurement, alignment, and precise installation of each component. Installing double doors requires a significantly wider opening and careful alignment to ensure both doors operate smoothly.
4. Setting the Door
Position the new door into the doorway, ensuring it’s level. To ensure that a new door is level when positioning it into the doorway, you can use a carpenter’s level to check both the sides and the top of the door frame. Adjust the door’s position as needed until it is perfectly level in all directions before securing it in place. Once it’s secured with nails or screws, don’t forget to check that it opens and closes properly.
5. Sealing and Finishing
Once set, seal the gaps around the door with insulating foam or weatherstripping. To seal gaps around a front door with weatherstripping, apply strips of the insulating material along the doorframe to create a snug and energy-efficient barrier. Lastly, apply any desired paint or finish.
Custom Door Solutions
Custom door solutions are designed to fit your home’s unique specifications with precision. They cater to awkwardly positioned beams or quirky angles. Custom doors can be crafted to complement, not complicate, your space. Whether you need a custom front door, patio door, or interior door, a professional can help you create a unique and functional solution. With custom door solutions, you can achieve a seamless style and avoid furniture mistakes, making your home stand out from the rest.
⏳ Duration and Cost of Front Door Installation 💲
The time it takes to install a front door varies based on experience and any unexpected challenges. For a professional installer, replacing a pre-hung door typically takes 3-5 hours. If the frame needs replacing or if there are structural issues, it could take a full day or more.
Costs can vary widely depending on your location, the complexity of the job, and the door you’ve selected. As of my last update in 2021:
- A basic door installation: (excluding the cost of the door itself) might range from $200 to $500.
- For custom doors: (or those that require additional framing or structural changes), the cost can jump to $1,000 or more.
Remember to factor in the cost of the door itself, which can vary from $150 for basic models to several thousand for custom designs.
🏡 Styles of Front Doors 🏚️
With an array of styles to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to make a final choice on the front door for your home. But don’t start sweating just yet! We’ve made a rundown of the most popular styles, each offering its own distinct charm and character.
Let’s take a look.
- Panel Doors: These are the most common type of front doors and are characterized by a series of panels (either raised or recessed) that add depth and character.
- Glass Panel Doors: Combine solid wood construction with glass panes, allowing for more natural light and a modern touch.
- Dutch Doors: Split horizontally in the middle, allowing the top half to open independently from the bottom.
- Solid Wood Doors: Offer a timeless appeal and great insulation but require regular maintenance to prevent warping and deterioration.
- Fiberglass/Composite Doors: Mimic the look of real wood but provide increased durability and insulation.
- Steel Doors: Known for their security and durability, they often come foam-filled for insulation.
- Modern/Contemporary Doors: Feature sleek designs, often with asymmetrical windows or abstract patterns.
- French Doors: Versatile options that can enhance both interior and exterior spaces. They come in various sizes and standard measurements, making them a flexible choice compared to bi-fold and pocket doors.
💯 Get a Front Door That Perfectly Fits Your Home 💯
So, there you have it – the lowdown on choosing the perfect, standard front door size. It’’s not just about grabbing any old door and slapping it on. A double door can significantly enhance the overall aesthetic of your home, providing a grand and inviting entrance. You’ve got to consider the size, make sure it matches your home’s style, and find a design that really suits your taste and vibe.
And remember, it’s not just about hanging it up; it’s about installing it right – secure, energy-efficient, and built to last. Contact us today for any questions or to kickstart your next home project!
